Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Columbus and Odessa have a similar cost of living.

$1,224/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 8%
$65,327/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 12%
$234,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 11%
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ≈ Same
906,480
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $7,703/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Odessa — common questions

Is Columbus or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Odessa?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Odessa?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $7,703/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Odessa

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